Everything these days is web-based, from online shopping to chat-bot-doctors and everywhere in between. We’re an interconnected world and because of this, we need more and more creative tech talent to help build websites, mobile apps, and more to help keep the Internet of Things running smoothly. However, many employers are saying it’s a struggle to find good, creative talent.
According to research from staffing firm The Creative Group, digital initiatives will drive hiring of creative professionals in the second half of 2018, but the greatest need is for people with expertise in web and mobile development, web production, user interface and interaction design, and creative development.
The research points to a talent shortage in these areas, too. When asked which creative roles are hardest to staff, the top responses were web and mobile development, creative development, user interface and interaction design, information architecture, and user experience.
Ways to Find Talent
According to The Creative Group, hiring decision makers engage in a number of different activities when struggling to source creative and marketing talent. Nearly half of respondents (48%) said they reach out to their network for referrals, and more than 4 in 10 (43%) become more flexible on skills requirements to drum up candidate leads. Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents (89%) said they would welcome back a former employee who left on good terms.
Forty-seven percent of those surveyed admitted they divide work responsibilities among their existing team while they continue their search for a full-time hire. But Diane Domeyer, executive director of The Creative Group, cautioned, “Asking already-busy employees to take on more work while a role remains open is a recipe for burnout and turnover.”
Domeyer added, “To avoid a prolonged candidate search, hiring managers should focus on finding people who possess the most critical skills and a passion for learning. Providing training to new hires can even boost engagement and retention.”
“Many companies want to bring on creative and marketing professionals to support digital initiatives but face an extremely competitive hiring environment and low unemployment,” said Domeyer. “Employers need to make sure job descriptions are realistic versus aspirational to draw in suitable applicants, provide attractive pay and benefits, and move quickly to extend offers to top candidates.”
The online survey was developed by The Creative Group and conducted by a leading independent research firm. It is based on responses from more than 400 advertising and marketing hiring decision makers who work full time at agencies with 20 or more employees or companies with 100 or more employees in the United States. To learn more, click here.